Question About a CD Player for My System

[Mark of Cenla]

I have the following stereo gear:

Boston Acoustics CS26 bookshelf speakers
Sony SA-W2500 subwoofer
Technical Pro PRE-B5050 preamp
AudioSource Amp One/A power amp
Sony DVP-NS315 DVD player (used only to play CD's).

I am considering upgrading the CD player. I am considering these:

Onkyo C7030
Yamaha CD-S300BL
TEAC CD-P650

I will have $250-$300 to spend. Which of these (or something else) do you recommend? Peace and goodwill.

[dean_martin]

Have you considered a dac? If your sony is still mechanically sound, a dac might have multiple uses. I'll let others comment on whether a $250-300 dac can be a noticeble upgrade.

For cd players, check audioadvisor.com for cambridge audio and NAD cd players in that price range.

[blackraven]

i agree, for that money you can buy a nice DAC that would connect to the optical or digital coax out's on you DVD player. But if you want a new CD player, I would suggest this Marantz 5004 player. It can be found here for a huge discount and it will sound better than the ones you have listed-

Marantz CD5004 Single Disc CD Player | Accessories4less

Here are a few DAC's to consider on your budget-

Schiit Audio - Bifrost - Upgradable 24/192 BITPERFECT DAC-Audio Advisor


Cambridge Audio - DacMagic 100 - Digital to Analog Converter-Audio Advisor

The next one is a vacuum tube DAC and can be used as a preamp as well. It can be used as either solid state or tube. I own one and it is a bang for the buck piece of gear comparing to units costing a few hundred more.

Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11 D/A Converter

The next one is similar to the Grant unit but a little less refined but still a bang for the buck unit. I bought the earlier model of this unit and it sounds great. The newer plus version is better with newer circuitry. It will sound the best with the optional tube and burr brown op amp upgrade.

Maverick Audio - TubeMagic D1 Plus DAC

The Grant unit and the Maverick unit will be a major upgrade from your Technical Pro preamp. They will also be a major upgrade as a DAC. Both have multiple inputs as well as usb inputs to use with a computer. The difference in the sound will not be subtle depending upon your other gear. If you buy one of these units you should eventually consider upgrading your power amp to take advantage of the sonic improvement these units can bring. There are a few nice budget power amps and integrated amps that will bring better sound and make those little Boston CS26's sing.

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Amazon.com: Topping TP60 Tripath TA2022 50WPC (80WPC 4 Ohm) Mini Amplifier: Electronics

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[Mark of Cenla]

Thanks for the responses. I will certainly check out a DAC. Peace and goodwill.